Green and decent jobs
“We need a green and decent jobs programme, including skills and retraining in the new industries, to regrow our economy on a sustainable basis.”
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2. How does it fit with Compass’ core beliefs of equality, solidarity, democracy, freedom, sustainability and well being?
Financial markets have failed to deliver sustainable economic growth. A green and decent jobs programme, developed in social partnership, would enhance well being at work and would require a skills programme accessible to all. It would contribute to global solidarity by mitigating the effects of climate change in the developing world, and by providing opportunities to work with the new US administration. Obama wants to see green jobs at the heart of an economic stimulus package. It should be co-ordinated by the new Economic Council of the Regions to ensure both trade union and regional democratic input.
3. How does it build the institutions of social democracy, like social groups and collective and cooperative forms of ownership and control?
An effective and sustainable green and decent jobs programme must be rooted in the principles of ‘just transition’. It will need to be developed and delivered in partnership with a range of stakeholders, including trade unions. Union representatives on the Economic Council of the Regions will shape the framework of the programme. It will then need to be rolled out across the devolved administrations and every region in consultation with TUC Regional Councils and with union representatives at organisational and workplace level. It will be an important part of ’social Europe’ for the 21st century.
4. How much will it cost or raise and where will any cost come from?
The initial costs of a green and decent jobs programme will depend on the scale of ambition with which it is addressed. Early investment will be needed in infrastructure and technology. Some costs will need to be underwritten by government, but government itself should utilise its own stake in the banking sector to ensure that investment is directed to meet strategic industrial priorities. There is already major investment in skills, but some of this needs to be redirected. In the longer term a vibrant economy and reduced unemployment will save money.
5. Which groups in the electorate are likely to support or oppose this measure? Is there any polling evidence you have on this?
The case for moving to a low carbon economy is well established and, with minor exceptions, not contested. Policy resolutions and polling by unions such as Prospect confirms that there is a strong appetite to take this agenda forward. However ‘just transition’ measures, including access to retraining, will be needed to support workers whose jobs are adversely affected. It will also be necessary to ensure that the new jobs are of good quality and not simply minimum wage, low skill jobs.
6. Is there a place or country where it’s worked? Please provide some information.
Germany is an example of a country that has done far more than the UK to realise the potential of the green economy, which supports 1.5 million jobs there compared with 400,000 currently in the UK. In part this reflects a greater sense of urgency to secure the benefits of new industrial opportunities and,in part,strong political leadership. The UK must learn these lessons quickly and, utilising the collective commitment of the Economic Council of the Regions, target strategic sectors and leverage Government’s investment in the financial sector to deliver green investment projects and secure first mover advantage.
7. What are the three main arguments in favour/against it?
First, the UK economy urgently needs a green and decent jobs programme to save jobs, secure new employment opportunities and rebuild the manufacturing and R&D base. Second, there will also be wider societal benefits - socially useful and good quality jobs contribute both to well being at work and broader social cohesion and should help to meet the ethical aspirations of young people entering the work force. Third, and most important of all, unless the UK and other developed economies move to a model of more sustainable growth, the global consequences will be catastrophic.
Markets, again, have proven to be hopeless forms of social support. Well said Sue!
These arguments are compelling both from an economic and also from an environmental perspective. Indeed, it would be interesting to hear the case against. Co-ordinated action is needed as a priority by Government, industry and also unions must play their part.
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